Addicted to You (21 page)

“I think you're worrying about something that is really far from now. I mean, your dad would love for you to follow in his footsteps, but I think ultimately he wants you to do what
you
love. Just like he did what he loved. I think you have time to figure out what that is for you. You'll probably get out there and try a few different things and come right back to the boat. I know somewhere deep down inside you still love it.” I smiled. “But if you find something you love more, that's okay too. The charter business will always be here, but that doesn't mean it defines you. Your life is your choice.”

He smiled. “I needed to hear that from someone else. And you're right. I'll probably come right back to it. But for now, I think I want to make some mistakes. Get a few jobs I hate.” He laughed. “You know, discover the hard way that the grass isn't always greener.”

“I think that sounds like a terrible idea and I fully support you.”

He smiled, but it was different this time. Not that playful smile but more like…awe?

“I love you, Isla. I really don't know what I'd do without you. You've always been that person to me. The one who helps me through my struggles and listens even when I refuse to talk. You just have this way of helping me open up, and you always say the right things in response. I know I can be difficult, but you always try. I appreciate that more than you'll ever know. And though I haven't always lived up to it, I want you to know I've always tried my hardest to be that person to you.”

“You are that person. Why do you think I love you?” I smiled. “Talk to your dad. Tell him how you feel. He'll understand. And, you know…there are lots of jobs you could hate in Clyne.”

“You're right. There are.” He grinned.

“Maybe?”

He nodded. “It's a real possibility.”

I grabbed his face in my palms and laid a kiss right on his lips. “You make me so happy.”

He grinned back. “C'mon, let's go eat something at the kitchen table before we ruin it with all that sex.”

I laughed as he sat up, scooped my shirt up off the floor, then tossed it over to me.

“You should also probably mentally prepare for all the shit Landon's about to give us. Two nights in a row, you know. If I know my brother, and I do, he'll either ask you for rent or a wedding date.”

“Oh geez.” I covered my face with my hands. “He's gonna
love
this.”

“Not as much as I will.”

I pulled my hands down and looked at him.

“I mean, let's face it. I'm still a guy.” He shrugged with a grin tugging at his mouth. “And I totally won the girl.”

I shook my head. “You didn't win me, Colby. You've always had me. There was no way to lose.”

“But you're kind of wrong there.” He offered his super sexy half smirk. “See that day, back on the pier, I might have won the yellow bear, but the real prize was you. I'll never forget the way you looked at me that day, and I might have been a real dumbass about everything over the last few years, but just so you know, it was always
you.
Always has been. Always will be.”

The worst part about Isla's schedule was she was always busier than me. The best part about Isla's schedule was we always appreciated the time we had together.

Thankfully, her first semester of nursing school had come to an end. She was taking her last exam at that very moment. I was ready to have more time with her and I think she was just ready to have more
time.

Plus, I'd spent the last four months in Clyne working at a job that I had in fact hated, and was ready to get back to Port Lucia. Mom and Dad had been incredibly supportive of my move and now I knew why. They'd probably always anticipated I'd come right back. When it came down to it, my life was meant to be spent on the water.

I tossed the last of my things into a box, then did one more walk-through to ensure I hadn't forgotten anything.

Isla would kill me if she saw the way I'd packed. But I was ready to get out of there. The guy I'd sublet my apartment from was scheduled to be back in the next few days, and I didn't really have the time or patience to do anything more than throw everything in boxes.

I lifted the box and carried it out to my truck, shoved it in the back, then slammed the tailgate shut just as Isla pulled up.

She hopped out of her car, all smiles, which I'd hoped to see.

“I take it someone nailed their test.” I pulled her to me and kissed her before she could answer.

When she pulled back, she frowned slightly. “Oh. I don't know.”

I laughed. “Well, what were you smiling about then?”

“You.”

She grinned up at me and, God, she was gorgeous. Like, really, how had I gotten so lucky?

“You're all packed and ready. I was kind of worried I'd find you buried under a pile of boxes with no end in sight.”

“Hey, I packed just like I said I would.” Now hopefully she didn't actually peek into any of the boxes.

“Good. I'm ready to go home.”

I smiled. “So Port Lucia is still home? Because call me crazy, but I think you love it here.”

“I do love it here. I love school and I love that you've been here with me, but Port Lucia will always be home. I have no idea how I would have made it these last four months without you here with me. I would have been so homesick.”

“It's crazy how that town ropes you in, huh?”

“Seriously, there's nothing to do there, yet I miss it like crazy!”

I laughed. “Me too. So does this mean…” I tried hard not to question her future plans too much. I wanted her to make choices for herself, but now that I knew more than ever that the charter boat was for me, I was terrified our lives would try to pull us in two different directions.

“It means I'm planning to live on that damn beach until the day I'm a member of Senior Citizen Cove.”

“Hey now,
Coral
Cove would welcome you with open arms.”

She laughed, her nose doing that adorable scrunching thing. “Oh man, Colby, we're gonna be old one day.”

I shrugged. “We'll do it together and never even notice.”

“Yeah. I guess.” She laughed then sighed. “But seriously, I'm going to finish nursing school and try my damnedest to get a job in Port Lucia. If I have to commute, I'll do that instead. Whatever happens though, I'm with you. Always.”

I hugged her tighter as if it could keep us connected together forever.

“I love the water, and I love to fish, but I love
you
most. And if you have to get a job somewhere else, I'm with you. Always.”

“We're gonna make this work, Colby. I have no doubt of that.” She tiptoed to kiss me. “Now let's go home. I know you've missed it too.”

Home.
I tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear, brushed my thumb along the dip in her bottom lip, and then stared into her dark eyes, wondering if it was possible she really didn't know. “Isla, no matter where we go or where life takes us, as long as I'm with you, I'm already there.”

To Camden. Thank you for always being there. Even before you've had your coffee.

Just a Little Crush

Just a Little Flirt

Just a Little Kiss

Addicted to You

R
ENITA
P
IZZITOLA
is the author of New Adult contemporary romance and Young Adult fantasy. When not writing, she can be found feeding her caramel macchiato addiction and reading just about anything she can get her hands on. She lives in Austin, Texas.

renitapizzitola.com

Facebook.com/​RenitaPizzitolaAuthor

@renitapizzitola

Available from Flirt

Ten girls. A white veil. And a hot pink sash. Dollar signs in skintight dresses. And thanks to my truck deciding to crap out three days ago, money was much more appealing than women.

It was also pure luck that I happened to be the only male bartender working at Jack's on a Friday night. Thanks to the stomach bug from Hell, I wouldn't even have to try and lure the bachelorette party to my end of the bar. They swarmed me. So I ignored them.

They giggled, they cat-called, a few blushed and whispered, and after several minutes, I “noticed” them.

“Ladies.” I grinned, resting my elbows on the bar, ensuring my biceps flexed and pulled my worn gray T-shirt taut around my arms and chest. “What can I get for you?”

One of the girls shoved a tiny blonde front and center. “A blowjob shot for the bride!”

The blonde's fair complexion turned crimson.

I raised one eyebrow. “Just the bride?”

Within seconds ten shots, four margaritas, two beers, and a vodka tonic had been ordered.

It was just too easy sometimes.

With a wink aimed at the bride, I said, “Yours is on me.”

“I don't do blowjobs.” Her eyes widened. “Shots. I meant shots. I never take shots. And I've never had a, you know, blowjob shot.” She shook her head and muttered, “Oh my god. Just shut up.”

“Well, I'm excited to be your first.” I grinned even broader. “Shot maker, that is.”

I reached down and pulled out a stack of shot glasses followed by the Irish cream. It could hardly be called a shot. More like dessert with a splash of alcohol. I knew she'd survive so I didn't feel bad. Usually the guilt struck when I watched friends convince the bride-to-be to slam tequila shots. I wasn't one to get in the way of fun, but, damn, nobody liked a hangover.

As I added the final two ingredients, I overheard the not-so-quiet whispers of her friends.
“I think he likes you.” “Was he just flirting with you?” “Too bad you're taken.” “Good thing I'm not.”

On and on they went, totally oblivious to the fact this was part of the show. They didn't come here tonight to be wallflowers, so I played my part. They got the service they wanted, I got the tips I needed. Everyone went home happy.

I topped each shot with whipped cream then slid one in front of the blonde. “The first is always the most memorable.”

“Yeah, just try not to gag,” one of the girls shouted.

The blonde held her composure but I was pretty confident a part of her died inside, and I did my best not to laugh. Though she was beyond uptight, something about it was kind of endearing.

She reached for her glass and I pulled it back toward me. “They don't call it a blowjob shot for nothing.”

Her perfectly arched eyebrows bunched together.

“No hands!” several friends shouted.

She shook her head. “No way.”

Three camera phones were aimed at her in seconds. “Come on, Audrey!”

She glanced around, her resolve faltering under pressure. “I just…”

“You'll never be single again!” Her friend nudged her shoulder. “Be wild and crazy. For once.”

Her brow furrowed again. A slight frown turned her pink lips downward. “Yeah. Okay. Um…” She glanced at the shot glass brimming with whipped cream. “How do I…Like just…” Her head tilted to the side as she stared at the glass like it was the most intimidating thing in the world.

I tried my damnedest not to laugh.

Her eyes darted around then lifted to mine.

“Just mouth. No teeth.”

Her eyes widened. As did my smirk.

“Because the glass.” I pretended to not be able to even fathom where her mind had gone. “It will slide off your teeth. Might even chip one too.” I shrugged. “Just want you to be careful.”

“Oh yeah. Of course.”

Her name rang out in chorus as her friends started chanting.

She smiled. Or at least forced what was supposed to resemble one, then leaned her head forward. Her short bob hid her profile, blocking most of the view. Then in one quick motion, her neck arched back and the shot vanished. Well, most of it did. A little bit escaped the rim of the glass and slowly made its way down her cheek then dripped off her chin onto her collarbone.

I followed the sticky sweet trail as it made its way down her chest, surprised at how very hot that was. Something about a shy girl and dirty thoughts…Wasn't hard to let the imagination run wild.

My gaze flicked up as I realized she was talking to me.

Her perfect eyebrows arched again. “Um, do you have napkin?”

“Yeah.” I grabbed a stack. “Good job with that.” I winked and reached for the empty glass.

It was hard to tell in the dim bar lighting but I was pretty sure her cheeks had pinked. The shot seemed to be making its way through her system fast.

I wiped the counter clean then got busy with the rest of the order. Her friends grabbed their drinks as fast as I could make them. And in no time their heads were bent down, hovered over phones…tagging and filtering and whatever else girls did when they went crazy sharing their lives with people…instead of each other.

All except for one. The bride-to-be glanced around, looking almost nervous.

“You okay?”

She blinked. “Oh yeah. Just not sure what the McDanielses will think of these pictures.” One side of her mouth lifted into a small smile while the other side seemed determined to stay put. “Not even sure what Tucker will think. Sorry. I'm rambling. I do that when I drink.”

McDaniels. As in
the
McDaniels
? Tucker…rang a bell too. Which, if I was right on the name, meant she was marrying into the wealthiest family in Port Lucia. Hell, maybe even in Texas. Oil rig money. Their boats were all over the coast and employed half the town's population.

Well, little Miss Bride-to-be was about to be one wealthy little wife. Too bad that family was nothing but a bunch of rich assholes. She seemed too sweet to be a part of that cutthroat culture. Hopefully she'd hang onto that, though I supposed it wouldn't take long until she was just another socialite with too much time and money on her hands.

Her friends, who'd finally shoved their phones away, gathered back around the bar.

“Need anything else?” My question was aimed at the bachelorette but the answers came from everywhere but her.

“Something sweet.”

“Something fruity.”

“Something strong!”

With a grin, I nodded. “I can definitely do all three.”

I whipped up a few more drinks, ensured they were all happy then made a quick round to check on the other bar patrons, always making sure to stay readily available for them. No way would I lose the chance to line my wallet tonight. Bachelorette parties were notoriously generous tippers. Now that I knew what circle they traveled in…Yeah. Not passing that up.

After several more drinks, the party eventually made its way to the dance floor. Though I'd known for a fact they'd had their fair share to drink, the energy surrounding them seemed to be more of that contagious kind that consumed people when alcohol
and
music pulsed through their bodies. I'd know since I saw it pretty much every weekend. But what had really drawn my eyes to the center of the room was the guest of honor herself. Audrey, if I'd remembered correctly. Somewhere along the way she'd loosened up and all that demureness that I'd seen at the bar had vanished.

With a laugh, she tugged at her shirt as if fanning herself from the heat of the dance floor. She then ran her hand across her forehead and frowned. One of the other girls said something and shrugged. The bachelorette's frown reversed into a smile then widened as she reached up, yanked the veil off, followed by the sash and then handed each to her friend. She held up one finger as if to gesture
be right back
then disappeared down the hall leading to the bathrooms.

I busied myself with wiping down counters and restocking cups but couldn't help but worry when she didn't return. I glanced down the hall. Scoured the dance floor a few times, and finally decided she'd fallen victim to too much alcohol. I'd give her some time. Hope that one of her friends had gone looking and helped her, but either way, I'd send a waitress in after a while to double-check.

About ten more minutes passed and I was doing my final scan of the floor before sending a search party when my gaze landed on a girl. But not just any girl. Something was familiar yet different, and I couldn't look away.

She was far from obnoxious like the two girls to her right. Nor was she begging for attention like the brunette to her left. No. It was so much more. Something about the way she moved, smiled, laughed…well, it demanded my attention. And I didn't intend to stare but, to be honest, I was mesmerized.

Wavy hair hung loosely around her shoulders and seemed to move with every turn of her body. Unfortunately, her back was to me only allowing occasional glimpses of her profile. But I remained steadfast, my gaze locked on this hypnotic girl until finally she spun around and our eyes met.

Why did I know those brown eyes? That face? The sweet turn of her lips? Where did I know her from? So many people came in and out of the bar on any given night, I'd surely met her before but it was interesting that my brain had chosen to remember her, considering it didn't seem to think it was important to remember
when
I met her, just that I had. Far from helpful.

She cocked an eyebrow and she stared back…her smile dancing across her lips as if threatening to fade but tempted to linger as well. And hell if it wasn't sexy.

Then another girl walked, well more like stumbled up to her, and planted the veil on her head.

I blinked. My brain trying to process what was slowly becoming clear to me.

And then my mouth twitched into a grin as it all clicked into place.

I was staring at the
real
future Mrs. Audrey McDaniels.

She closed the distance between the dance floor and the bar with only a few quick steps.

“Um, judging by the way you're looking at me. I should probably switch to water.”

What? How had I been looking at her?
Mesmerized
was the only word I could think of though she seemed to be leaning toward something more judgmental. I guess bartenders were notorious for cutting people off who'd had too much to drink but that had been the last thing running through my mind at the moment.

I pulled out a glass and filled it with ice water then slid it across the bar.

“Just didn't recognize you, to be honest.”

Her eyebrows raised then she quickly ran her hand through her hair and grinned. “Oh. Yeah. That. It was a wig. A disguise.” She laughed, but it sounded more nervous than humorous. “The girls, well, they knew I was worried about what my future family would think and all the pictures and small-town stuff, so they came up with this crazy idea to make me…um, not me.”

She laughed again though still not convincing me that she found any of her story actually funny.

“So you were incognito?” I smiled, hoping to lighten the mood and convince her I wasn't there to judge
or
blow her cover.

“Yeah? I guess. I mean, it was me, and all that but I was just hoping to be a little less recognizable. The family I'm marrying into, well, they have an image to maintain and I should be…you know…but I got hot.” She shook her head. “This party was a bad idea.”

“Hey, stop that. You're getting married. You're having fun. It's a celebration. You've done nothing to worry about. Hell, you're the best behaved bachelorette I've had yet.”

A slight frown tugged at her lips.

“Which is a good thing! You can have fun and keep it classy.”

Her mouth curved up. “Oh, yeah. Thanks.”

“So when's the wedding?”

Her eyes brightened and I'd be lying if I said a part me didn't wish she was just a friend of the bride. “Next weekend.”

“One week, huh? Well, in that case, let me be the first to say congratulations Mrs. McDaniels.”

“Wow. I'm going to be Mrs. McDaniels in less than seven days.” Suddenly her frown reappeared. “Oh my god. I'm going to be my mother-in-law.”

I couldn't help it. I laughed. Kind of harder than intended because really, I'd seen her around and this girl could
never
be her mother-in-law. At least I sure as hell hoped not.

“Nah. You're way too cute for that to happen.” I winked.

The slight pink flushing her cheeks told me loud and clear I'd pushed her out of her comfort zone. And while I'd like to say the comment had stemmed from my role as the flirty bartender working on a larger tip, it had in reality, sort of slipped out as nothing more than an observation. But it was easier for everyone if it seemed slightly less genuine, so I grinned hard, letting the cocky bartender persona make his reappearance.

“Can I get you anything else to drink?”

“Oh, um, no thank you. I'll just stick to water for now.” She lifted her glass and turned to head back to her friends but then paused. “Thanks again…” She waited expectantly.

“Landon.”

“Nice to meet you Landon. I'm Audrey Maxwell…at least, I am for the next six days.”

I smiled. “Nice to meet you too.”

But as she walked away, I couldn't help but hope that, for her sake, she stayed Audrey Maxwell for much longer than six days.

Her last name might be changing soon, but it'd be such a shame to lose
her
—that girl who'd hidden behind a facade only to eventually emerge and completely mesmerize me on the dance floor—to the McDanielses.

She glanced back one last time and smiled, leaving me with one final thought.

Tucker McDaniels was one lucky bastard.